See's Famous Old Time Candies® was founded in California in 1921. See's is beloved throughout the western US, and especially in California, which is dotted with scores of their charming candy shops. Enter any shop, and feel like you're stepping back in time. The impossibly polite staff are dressed in pristine old-fashioned black and white uniforms that evoke a warm sense of nostalgia. Dozens of delectable See's candies are displayed in cases like jewels, and myriad beautifully wrapped gift boxes are there for your choosing. Plus the best part of the experience, as See's devotees know, is receiving your complimentary piece of See's candy after you make your purchase.

What makes See's Candies so scrumptious? According to the company, "to produce the best possible boxed chocolates, we at See's acquire the choicest and finest grade raw ingredients from all over the world. Making over 100 varieties of candies, we have maintained our reputation for excellence by strict adherence to See's 'Quality Without Compromise®' motto."

I can attest that their chocolate is among the finest available, as I have been savoring them my entire life. The first time I went to a See's candy shop, I was about 10 years old. I was so smitten, that I thought, Forget being a doctor or a lawyer when I grow up. I want to work in a See's candy shop. Well, that didn't pan out, but living in California is the next best thing. And since you can order See's candies online, you can enjoy them no matter where you live.

Now for the really exciting part: One lucky Food Blogga winner will receive a $25 gift certificate to See's candies! Not sure whether you want creme filled Easter eggs, assorted dark chocolates, or nuts and chews? Then I'd recommend ordering a custom mix so you can select the confections that are nearest and dearesnt to your heart. Here's what you have to do to win:

Just tell me why you'd like to win the See's Candies gift certificate. Please respond by the end of the day, Monday, March 23, 2009. That's it.

With the help of random.org, 1 winner will be randomly selected and announced in a future post, so please check back. The give-away is open to all Food Blogga readers wherever you live. The winner will need to provide her or his real name and mailing address. Don't have a blog? Just leave an active email address where you can be reached. Good luck, everybody!